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FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:12 pm
by dave_303
Just received my renewed FAC and SGC, gotta say Avon and Somerset did well and did it quickly, had my FEO visit on the 18th June and my old certificates run out tomorrow so dead chuffed

Had to get another cupboard though before they would grant me any new slots, so a new 15 gun cabinet has been fitted in addition to my current 8 gun and I've been granted

7.5x55
7.62x54
.303
6.5x52
.36 BP

this is in addition to the filled slots
3x.303
2x.22
7.62x54
7.5x54
7.92x57

Re: FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:16 pm
by ovenpaa
Dave, I hope you do not mind me asking, do you have a monitored alarm system? We are in the process of getting an alarm and new external doors fitted due to the firearms we wish to hold.

Re: FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:01 pm
by Polchraine
ovenpaa wrote:Dave, I hope you do not mind me asking, do you have a monitored alarm system? We are in the process of getting an alarm and new external doors fitted due to the firearms we wish to hold.

Who are you using for your alarm? My advice is to install it yourself using professional grade components then get a small local alarm company to inspect it - £50 or so and then place the monitoring with them.

The big companies are just a rip off and the work is simple to do, plus you can really hide the wiring. If you want any hints/advice - I have done quite a few.

Re: FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:19 pm
by Christel
Polchraine,

I am not sure a company will sign an alarm off they have not installed...

Re: FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:30 pm
by Polchraine
They will - they do a full inspection and accept it. It is the monitoring that is their real revenue stream and they will take them over from other companies with a full inspection. You just need to find a good local company not one of the big ones.

Re: FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:34 pm
by SloeginBill
They will - they do a full inspection and accept it. It is the monitoring that is their real revenue stream and they will take them over from other companies with a full inspection. You just need to find a good local company not one of the big ones.
Depends on the grading that you have installed the system to. I assume that you know that and install to the correct standard using components that reflect the grade necessary to achieve a URN grant from the local force via your chosen NACOSS or SSAIB approved installer.
Most companies will consider a take over of an existing system but the onus is on them to enure that it meets the standard. Most reputable firms won't ( because they can't be bothered with the hassle ) touch a DIY install and provide a URN and monitoring. If they do take over a system they have to ensure its up to scratch in term of design, component quality and installation standards. If its not correct it must be modified before an compliance certificate can be issued and a URN applied for.
Baisically, If you need a bells only system then fit it yourself if you can. If you need monitoring there are strict regulations from ACPO and the intruder alarm regulation bodies that must be adhered to.

Re: FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:49 pm
by ovenpaa
It needs to be Grade 3 which does pose a few problems when it comes to fitting it myself.

Re: FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 10:22 am
by dave_303
We don't have a monitored alarm at the moment but my Dad is looking in to getting one as he was considering applying to be an RFD in the next couple of years. The cupboards are currently behind sliding wardrobe doors, but this will be replaced by a rolling garage door type that can be locked instead.

Re: FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:10 pm
by Sim G
Remember, the Firearms Security Handbook states that the number of firearms held should not be the only factor in determining the level of security the police can ask you to provide.....

Montored alarms are a gimmick in my opinion. For some reason some firearms deptments have jumped on this as the panacea! They are not. A police force that borders my area won't attend a monitored alarm call if there have been three instances of false alarm.

Re: FAC and SGC Renewal

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 4:03 pm
by M99
Sim G wrote:Remember, the Firearms Security Handbook states that the number of firearms held should not be the only factor in determining the level of security the police can ask you to provide.....

Montored alarms are a gimmick in my opinion. For some reason some firearms deptments have jumped on this as the panacea! They are not. A police force that borders my area won't attend a monitored alarm call if there have been three instances of false alarm.
The Met' will downgrade it from an I (immediate response) to an S grade (get there eventually) if there have been 3 false alarams within 12 months.

Mike